Tile and method of manufacturing the same



Nov. 20 1923.

K. L. TORNO TILE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME Fiied Oct. 4, 1921 jig j g z:

v zmw A m ML? a M, @5 A K r,

Patented Nov. 20, 1923.

v an e KARL L. romeo. or BERKELEY, camrom m. k

TILE METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME.

Application filed Betcha-14,1921. Serial are. 505,252.

- concise, and exact description oil the same.

This invention relates particularly to a decorative finish for porous surfaces.

The principal object of this invention relates to the method of applying a decorative facing to porous surfaces, particularly tiles, which when finished will have the appearance of a burned or heat treated article. A still further object relates to the method of applying a decorative facing to tiles and the like, whereby it becomes possible to tint or color the said tiles andthe like in any desirable manner and to any desirable extent. Other objects and advantages will appear as this description progresses.

In this specification and the annexed drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form considered to be the best, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such form, because it may be embodied in other forms; and it is also to be understood that in and by the claims following the description, it is desired to cover the invention in whatsoever form it may be embodied.

step of my invention.

Fig. 3 represents a cross section through a tile treated inaccordance with the second step of my invention.

.Fig. 4 is across section through a tile being treated in accordance with the final step of my invention.

The limitations of a patent drawing convey no conception of the artistic merit of the invention and submitted merely to illustrate the structure.

The interiors of homes, residences and the like are rendered unusually artistic b installing ornamental mantel pieces 0 tile 4 around fire places, providing tiled floors and tiled wainscotting after the manner of residences representative of early periods of architecture abroad. The tile or porous material used is generally formed from a suitable cla or earthen material in a plastic form co ored in any predetermined manner andthen placed in an oven and baked or heat treated until the mass hardens. This process is unusually long and tedious and is objectionable in that the desired final color schemes of the tile cannot always be assured with absolute accuracy by reason of the chemical change resulting through the application of heat to the plastic material. Where certain of the baked tiles are discolored and do not blend with the greater portion of the tile treated, the same must be rejected, thereby entailing a loss of time and material to the manufacturer. Furthermore where it is desired tohave an ornamental design embodied in the usual type of baked tile it becomes necessary to stamp the same with a specially prepared die which as a result, lacks artistic merit. The usual baked tile is likewise very close grained in texture so that binding mortar will not ad: here as readily as with tiles constructed in accordance with my invention.

The tiles utilized in the practice of my invention are formed from an a moistened sand, cement and gravel which is permitted to'set until the desired degree of hardness has been attained.

In appl ing the decorative coating, or facing to t a surface of the tile, a plurality of tiles are laid in a single layer on a suitable surface so that the ed es of all tiles are in contact. With a brus or other suitable means I apply a cementitious fluid to the'exposed surfaces and edges of the tiles and work the same well into the said tiles, as shown in Fi 1. The said cem'entitious' fluid is preferab y formed from a mixture of water and either a powdered plaster, cement or magnesite worked to a creamy ency. The consistency of the-said cementitious mixture is such that when applied to the'surface of the tiles evenly it assumes the be changed by agitating the tiles which regate of consistsettles the cementitious material in the mixture to the bottom and causes the upper portion of the mixture to assume a flat smooth finish. As a usual matter it is, not desirable to agitate the tile in view of the fact that such tiles do not reach the same degree of perfection as those treated in the following manner.

In the second step of my process, as shown in Fig. 3, T sprinkle or apply powdered coloring material, of any desirable nature according to the color or finish desired, onto the moist exposed face of the fluid applied to the tile. In order to achieve the eflects embodied in burned tiles, powdered coloring matter would be applied irregularly in amount and position on the tile, leaving a somewhat mott ed appearance.

A stipplin brush or other similar tamping means, 0 which the resilient ends would be curled over to rovide a softened body, would be first molstened and then applied to the combined cementitious fluid and'coloring material to thoroughly intermix the same, working. said coloring material into and throughout the entire mass of the cementitious mixture. The stippling brush would then be cleansed of such coloring material as might have adhered to it around the ends and it would be remoistened after which portions of the tile not so fully treated with the coloring material would be tamped after the manner of the first stippled portion. After stippling or tamping the entire mottled surface of the tiles with the moistened brush so that the resemblance to a baked tile would be clearly effective, the tiles would then be placed on separate trays and permitted to dry or harden. The facing or decorative surfaces applied to the tiles being formed from a cement or magnesite base would assure the hardness of a dried cement or dried magnesite and would be thus impervious to the efiects of moisture or any other elements. I r

After the facing on the tiles has set, the same might be polished or bufl'ed to present a smooth, shining surface or this last named operation omitted if a rough finish bedesired. -In the completed condition, my tiles may beused in lieu of baked tiles in all instances where such tiles might be used. The

advantages of using tiles constructed in accordance with my inventiop are first, that the same may be produced in about onequarter the time, manufactured at about onethird of the cost and sold for about one-half the selling price of baked tiles.-

Where it is desired to have a specially prepared decorative tile with an ornamental design embodied therein, similar to baked stamped tiles, 1 first apply the cementitious fluid mixture to the tile and then with suitable portions of diife'rently colored cementitious mixture added to the first mixture on the tile produce artistic picture efiects such as landscapes, marine views, trees, flowers and the like. These colored mixtures would correspond to the powdered coloring mate rial, applied to the tiles as first described,

but the addition of two or more colors superimposed one on the other would result in any number of diflerent designs and effects according to the manner of application.

Having thus described this invention what ll claim and desire to secure by Letters Pat-- stippling said coloring matter and fluid and permitting the same to harden.

3. The method of finishing tiles comprising coating said tiles with a cementitious fluid; sprinkling powdered coloring matter of a cementitious nature on to said fluid coating; stippling said coloring matter into said fluid surface and permitting the mixture to harden.

In testimon whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at an Francisco, California, this 26th day of Sept. 1921.

at. L. TORNO.

In presence of Lmoonn V. JonNson. 

